The term “heart dog” has become increasingly widespread over the last decade or so. Often referring to a special canine-human bond, a heart dog is that pup in your life who you’ve created a one-of-a-kind relationship with. One might say that a heart dog offers companionship and love like no other creature can. Let’s explore the definition of “heart dog”, and what exactly this kind of relationship encompasses.
What is a heart dog?
My heart dog is Wynston. This is probably no surprise to those of you who have been following our journey for a while. Although I have three beautiful, amazing puppers, Wynston is my “one and only.” I describe him as “my everything, my world.” A heart dog can be compared to a human soulmate – you know that one person that you’ve found whom you want to spend the rest of your life with? A heart dog is similar.
I would absolutely say that Wynston is my canine soulmate. I literally include him in every aspect of my life. I take his well-being into consideration before everything. A heart dog is that doggo who you could probably never compare another dog to. I always say that I will most likely not get another Chihuahua when Wynston passes away because there’s no way one could compare to him. It wouldn’t be fair to that other dog because I’d have preconceived notions about how I’d think they should behave and act.
Some people may not realize they have a heart dog until said dog leaves this Earth. You may not understand just how precious of a relationship you have with a dog until it’s gone. This is understandable, but it’s beneficial to realize you have a heart dog before they leave you. Why? Because you can cherish and embrace that bond while it’s still in existence.
How do I know if I have or have had a heart dog?
I like to say that I love my three dogs equally, but I love Wynston differently. He’s the one I snuggle with at night. He’s the one I NEED to sleep with in my bed. He’s the one I love going on adventures with. He’s the one I take shopping and bring on lunch dates. Do you have a dog like this?
If you’re still grieving the loss of a dog whom passed away years ago, they may have been your heart dog. My cat Edison ran away in 2013 and I still cry over him. I’m still grieving. He was without a doubt my heart cat.
A heart dog is that one incredible canine who comes around once in a lifetime and completely changes everything. That dog is your heart. They fulfill the role of offering unconditional love and they close any gaps of loneliness.
It didn’t become apparent to me that Wynston was my heart dog until Khloee came into the picture. I realized that I had an incomparable bond with Wynston. It’s become more and more obvious to me over the years that Wynston is my heart dog. I’ve embraced it to the point of encouraging others to delve deeper into their relationships with a heart dog because it’s such an amazing phenomenon. I want to nurture the bond I have with Wyn while he’s alive, that way when he passes I know that I literally lived my life with him to the fullest extent.
Not everyone gets to experience the relationship with a heart dog. I believe you need to be open to the idea and possibility. Perhaps you’ve had dogs for a long time but you’re still waiting for your heart dog to come into the picture. If you have or have had a heart dog, tell me about them in the comments!
My heart dog was our Dalmatian Mollymae. She passed away in 2011 at the age of 14. We adopted her from the Denver Dumb Friends League when she was just 1. Like your cat Edison I still grieve over Molly. She loved to be outdoors sunning herself but only if you left the back door open so she could come in and check on you. She was a great companion when you were feeling low. She loved to go for car rides and would sit shotgun in the passenger seat. Molly still hold my heart even though we have had or currently have other dogs.
I’m so sorry about the loss of Molly. I do know the pain all too well.
There is plenty of great dog information on this site !
Luna is absolutely my heart dog. There is something about our relationship that I wouldn’t expect from any other dog now or in the future. I also love Ralph, but like you said – differently. Because I had such a deep connection to Luna first, it actually took me a while to find the ways I love Ralph too. Now I’m so thrilled to have them both in my life.
I totally get that. I was like that when Khloee came into my life!
My heart dog is called Hoodie. I rescued him when I was 22 as a 1o week old pup flea ridden, malnourished, and with a puss filled sore on his back. I got him right before going through a really intense and emotionally traumatic time so maybe my bond with him formed so deeply because he was exactly what I needed to get through it. He’s almost 3 years old now and he is my best friend, my baby boy, my entire heart. When we make eye contact I feel like we are reading each others minds. My friends say that his personality is just like mine. He exaggerates his yawns, makes the same noises when he stretches,, and sits the same way I do! It’s so weird. If I wake up from a bad dream he outstretches his paw to touch my chest.
I think about him several times a day when I’m at work and cry when I have to leave him for more then a couple of days. I drive 6 hours to my parents house to let them babysit him instead of boarding him at a kennel because I know he would be ill with fear if left at a kennel.
I’m already fearing the day Hoodie leaves me. I want him to be there with me when I’m old and gray. I’ve loved dogs my whole life and grew up with family dogs but he is definitely my heart dog.
Elizabeth, you’re a dog mom after my own heart. Sounds exactly my relationship with Wynston. I would absolutely drive 6 hours to leave Wyn with my parents if I had to also. I fear the day Wynston leaves this Earth. I’m not sure how I’ll get through without him. In the meantime, I work to cherish the present moments and make memories. Thanks for sharing! xoxo
My sweet Simon was no doubt my heart dog. I knew it when he was with me, and I know it more deeply since he crossed the Rainbow Bridge earlier this month. I never felt so loved by a living being. No matter what my mood, that dog was there for me. We just got each other.
Wherever I was in the house, he was at my feet. The two of us had a bond that was so strong. We have another dog, but it’s not the same. He lived an amazing life and we had adventures all over the state of Colorado including climbing many peaks together. He was my heart and soul, and even though he lived to 16 years of age, I miss him so much. I’ve never cried as much or grieved as much.
Leslie, I’m incredibly heartbroken for you. It sounds like Simon lived a wonderful life with you, and a LONG one at that! That’s amazing! I will absolutely be grieving badly and for a loooong time when I lose my Wynston. Prayers for you. xoxo
My heart dog was Cocoa. Search Cocoa’ journey on Facebook and it tells her story for the last 6 yrs. I recently had to put Cocoa to sleep. She had stones in her bladder and because she was paraplegic surgery wasn’t an option. All I can say right now is I am totally devastated and my heart is shattered
Oh Debbie, my heart is breaking for you. I’m so sorry to hear the news. Praying for you during this incredibly difficult time. xoxo